Reviving a species from extinction is no small task, and it seems that the resurrection of the woolly mammoth is turning out to be a mammoth task in itself. Scientists at Colossal Biosciences had initially hoped to achieve this feat by 2028. However, recent discoveries have shifted the timeline to the early 2030s. The reason? The task is far more complex than initially thought, requiring alterations to over 150 genes, as opposed to the initially estimated 60. In response, the team has turned to a powerful ally – artificial intelligence (AI).
A Mammoth Task for AI
The de-extinction of the woolly mammoth is a pioneering project in the field of science. The team at Colossal Biosciences is using cutting-edge CRISPR gene editing technology to insert woolly mammoth genes into the DNA of an Asian elephant, creating a hybrid creature known as a “mammophant”.
However, the project is proving to be more complex than initially envisaged. The genetic differences between the two species are vast, and the team has discovered that they will need to edit over 150 genes, not the 60 they initially thought. This new insight has pushed the project timeline back to the early 2030s.
To speed up the process, the team is turning to AI. They believe that using machine learning and other AI technologies can help to identify the necessary genetic changes more quickly and accurately.
Implications for South Africa
While the mammoth project is taking place overseas, the implications for South Africa and indeed the rest of the world are significant. The successful de-extinction of the woolly mammoth could open up possibilities for reviving other extinct species, potentially transforming our understanding of life and evolution.
South African scientists and researchers could also benefit from the AI technologies being developed and refined during this project. The applications of AI in the field of genetics and bioinformatics are vast, and South Africa has a rich biodiversity that could benefit from such advancements.
This mammoth task may be larger than expected, but with the help of AI, scientists are optimistic about the future. We eagerly await the early 2030s when we may witness the first ‘mammophant’ walk the earth once more.
Source: New York Post
